My London Marathon experience | Olympics is over 

Take your favourite person on holiday, lick your wounds, heal your body and see where your head is. You’re truly an inspiration to me and many others

I find it strange how relatable your confessions are. Honestly you are one of the few people online for me that are genuine, no glitter and provide insightful info on how to prep but also care of oneself. I can’t express enough how thankful I’m for your content - keep it going Scully and take care. You’re an absolute beast of a human being in the bestest sense possible :)

This is a fantastic example of what a MAN looks like. He has a goal, he works at it. Succeeds at times and "fails" (not really failure in the grand scheme of things) at times too. Has the courage to be honest about the difficult road he's on. Chooses to stay positive and shares hope & wisdom that others can learn from. It's a YES from me! :)

This is the first time i ever comment a video. You helped me to realise that the most important thing is not the accomplishement ,but the journey. I used to weight a 100kg and i smoked 20 years... now i run, i swim and ride my bike, i improve also thanks guys like you. Your journey has been amazing, 1 single race day does not translate who you are and we must accept our vulnerability. The way you share all this for sure deserve the gold medal of the good buddies olympics . Keep inspiring us, next sunday will be another sunday!! Sorry for my english, i m french, nobody is perfect.. Thank you very much Mister Scullion

Ive been running since the mid 1980s and can honestly say your channel is the best running channel on RU-vid by far.To have an athlete of your calibre share such knowledge,insights and honesty is amazing.Respect.

Stephen, your impact on people, their training, how you shape their resolve in all aspect of life, far exceeds the impact 99% of olympians have had on the world. To many of us, this channel means more than if you ran 7-10 minutes quicker on the day.

Your vulnerability is super powerful. What a great personal introspection. You have such clarity.

So much respect for the transparent and honest reflection. Life is not a movie. It's not a book. It's terrifyingly real.

Your “bad race” is so far above what most competitive runners would ever even allow themselves to dream of doing. On top of it, you share your highs and lows, creating art that guides and inspires us to keep going. Thank you!

What a fucking beautiful display of humanity you show in this video, I know you're disappointed but just know you've inspired me. You're a fantastic role model, hats off to you.

Thanks for sharing your Paris qualification journey with us. It’s a fascinating insight to the brutality of elite sport. Stay strong!

Stephen, you are my running hero. I Unexpectedly placed 6th with a time of 3:17 on a race with 2286 meters of elevation change. You're advice has made a massive impact on me and my training as a runner. Thank you for advice. We as dedicated runners can be so hard on ourselves. You're not alone. Keep up the amazing content and keep helping so many people as I know you have been. God bless and I love you

As a runner who has been through traumas and struggled with mental health, your voice touches my heart, pulls me away from negative thoughts and I feel like I’m not alone in this world. You are one of the most impactful people in this world to me.

My favourite athlete. The man who got me back into running but also to love the elite side of the sport, and what a sport we love. Not just because you're an Irishman and I love our own to do well, but because you're this great force. The voice in my ear on the long runs, the first click when I get a RU-vid notification. You're an Olympian. Those three letters after your name prove it.

Scully you are a LION! When things get hard, i always remember your quotes. Keep your head high and congrats on London marathon !

Hey Stephen, im a beginner runner. ive lost half a stone, my life has changed all because i found your videos interesting to the point id try running myself. thank you.

The level of awareness and acceptance is next level. I'm a very slow runner, but I'm learning a lot and progressed from your videos. It cost you the Olympics but you've impacted lives positively all over the world. You are correct, you can't be mad at that! Thank you, sir!

Saw you on mile 25 as you were running up to big ben. I started watching your channel last year after i signed up for my first marathon. Your videos give me a lot of motivation and tools that I used in my training. Had an awesome race and I have you to thank for that. You've created something great.

Hi Stephen, I've never been this invested in someone else's journey as much as with yours. You've been a huge inspiration to me and a few running buddies. Look after yourself sir.

I always root for you so much; you're my favourite runner. You give back so much to the community. Running can be so unfair; sometimes you can try TOO hard to do everything and then, ironically, your body suffers if you try TOO hard sometimes. You've done yourself so proud, no matter what happens; you've enriched the lives of so many in your journey. I would pick that over being a 1:59 marathon runner anyday. YOU are a champion in so many ways

Dont be sad steven! What you have done for thousands of runners like me is just so special. No other person on youtube has your ability to dial into the honest facts about what we need to commit to as runners. You showed me how to warm up, how to train properly, how to slow my thresholds down, how to recover etc i trained for 9 months at age 50 to finally beat my parkrun pb 5 times over a period of 3 months. So THANKYOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

You are such a gift. Your openness, authenticity, vulnerability and soul. We need this. You are someone who is shaping a more honest and human running community. I feel for you, but I also thank you so much for all the knowledge you gave us, and for being so real. And I have full confidence in you! Stay connected and be good to yourself. Much love!

You're an inspiration brother. Thank you for your messages about running and all that you do.

The level of vulnerability that this guy let’s him self into is amazing!! What a real class act man. Huge respect for your character and love for what you do man. In case you are thinking that you let your community down by not achieving the Olympics team, mate all I can I say is that your community is even stronger now because the strength of the leader is the strength of the pact. Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷 mate.

Writing from Greenland: Your videos have guided me through tough times in my journey to become the best possible runner. It has taught me to absorb and embrace everything that comes with running. Having a guiding reference planted in the future gives a strong feeling of motivation and worth. I hope you plant yourself a new one when time is right for you!

I'm an Obstacle Course Racer from the UK living in Norway. It's nice to read the comments here and see all the support you are getting for these honest and sincere videos. I've been watching them religiously since discovering your channel not long ago. I follow your strength training and warmup videos almost daily and attribute these to avoiding injury while increasing average weekly mileage this year. Thanks for your efforts! Really appreciate you!

Scully is still think your our best Pick. I hope it still happens. Congratulations on London. You once again proved you can outright your mind

You will feel so much better in the days and weeks ahead, Stephen. The answers will come and I think your best days are ahead of you. You’re a great man 🙂🌞

The way you talk about running is how I feel about it, despite the fact that I am a 42 year old Mum who found running two years ago (and dreams merely of a 3:30 marathon!). I also did London on Sunday and so wished I had seen you - you're an inspiration in every sense. I feel privileged to watch your videos and am grateful that you always give all of yourself. Take care of yourself Stephen, you warrior.

Stephen. Life is a series of chapters where we get to uncover bits and pieces of our own truth along the way. Only 'you" know what your truth is, no one else does or ever will. Your vulnerability is refreshing for someone on RU-vid and your journey like every ones has its ups and downs. Your adventure into the RU-vid world has opened another door that you have jumped through successfully. Continue being bold and brave.

Never forget, you inspire, help and motivate us all! Thank you for everything! we are with you - always!

I couldn't grasp the stress and mindfulness required of a top athletic runner aiming for the Olympics until Scully expressed it with such emotion in his video. Please know that your videos have inspired countless runners, myself included, and we truly value the effort and time you've invested in this content. Also please remind yourself that training for a marathon over days, weeks, and months is a monumental task for anyone, and you continue to inspire all of us who have watched and learned from you. Take some time to rest, enjoy activities other than running, and things will surely improve in the future!

I swam with elite swimmers growing up. We swam the same sets, same repeats. The Olympians have a gear beyond us. You did awesome! There is way more to life. Please keep on showing us your journey....

I was gutted when I saw the race results and knew what it meant for you. It's still an unbelievable result. Your contributions here have had a much greater impact than a faster result could ever have.

Keep it goin on Scully! Your Marathon Training Plan and videos have changed my running and life for the better, going from groundhog day to PB's and 2 Marathons! Thanks so much!!

The ups and downs of the runner on full display. I appreciate this as much as the valuable training videos. We’ve all missed goals and this gives insight into the elite athlete version of it. If you are up to it - perhaps a follow up to this video after a deeper retrospect and more planning of the path ahead? How we get up after a fall is something we all need to work on. Keep up the great work on this channel and being an incredible influence/inspiration on the running community.

Hold that head up high mate. You are a great, genuine guy. There's more to life than running and when you look back at this in 5 years time, you will know that this was even better for you than actually achieving the goal

I seen you at 14km...and except my brother who was running a 5hr30 marathon, you were the only other runner I wanted to see in the flesh!!! You've been my absolute hero on the past few years and regardless of you time on Sunday you're still my hero and favourite runner!!! #TeamLionscull

You know, Scully, I've been following your channel for a while now and I make the most of the content you post here, whether it's about running itself, about gym routines or about how we runners always need to take care of our mental health. Watching you always vulnerable, not afraid to show and share your frustrations and achievements is more inspiring than you can imagine. I live almost on the other side of the world and there isn't a day that goes by, when things get difficult, that I don't think: "what would lion do right now?" whether at the gym, in a session or on a long run. Your inspiration moves and motivates me and for that I will always be grateful. Keep pushing, it's just another Sunday!

I feel every emotion you are feeling Stephen - just ran Two Oceans Ultra marathon here in SA about two weeks ago. I ran injured body feeling terrible, finish time not close to my goal, trained maybe a little too hard - the race photos show the focus on my face to get around the pain. My body was broken. I know what I did wrong and now need to focus on what to do right. My view is everything happens for a reason - your honesty and vulnerability is what makes you who you are never give that away - I am super sorry you didn’t make the Olympics my heart goes out to you, I’ve supported you through this process and you me through mine. Thank you for what you do keep it up. I will continue to listen, learn and take on board your knowledge, wisdom, humility and vulnerability this is what connects me to you. Stay strong a missed result does not define who you are you are more than a time on a stop watch. You are in my thoughts. Stay strong this too will pass.

You are winning every day Scully. You’re an elite runner who’s got nothing left to prove and willing to put in the work to impart your knowledge and lessons to the general public. It’s a rare privilege to have access to your content as you are inspiring thousands of people with amazing insights physical and mental. This is the beginning of a new chapter for you! Possibly your greatest chapter is yet to be written as you don’t even know it yet. You are tired because you never stop working! That’s nothing to be ashamed of! Hold your head high legend! I think you just inspired thousands of runners to give 100% of themselves to this sport.

You can only give it, what you can give it…so true Scully, don’t beat yourself up!

You have given so much back Lion, to everyone! I appreciate you. Lessons I learned from Jogging Room were a big part why I feel more confident that I can achieve my athletic dreams compared to 15 years ago, in my 30s. Thank you for everything. I am excited to see what's next!

Hey Stephen. Thanks for being so open and sincere. Your lessons shared in this platform make a real difference. For myself and for sure so many else. Regardless the time, your effort is amazing.

You really are truly inspirational to us every day runners, your advice, coaching and human approach make you an exceptional individual on every level. I wish you all the luck in the world on the path you choose to travel going forward you deserve the very best❤.

You might not cross the finishline in Paris but you achieved what most of us will never do: You helped ans inspired thousands of people! Take your time, heal up and come back stronger 💪

This is why I love RU-vid - being real and sharing the whole journey. I love your channel!

Much love to you Scully for your introspectiveness and vulnerability. You didn't get the result you wanted, but you've definitely accomplished something amazing with this community you've built. Life is a series of push and pulls, whatever's most important to you you'll pull on those levers more and you'll reap the rewards for doing so. Take some time off to let your mind, body and soul rest. We'll always be here to support you all the way 🩷

Thanks for sharing your experience and reflections, though clearly very raw! I've found your videos amazing and you have inspired 46 year-old me to have another go at qualifying for the national champs. I blew up at London last weekend: thought I had a 2:39 in me and for some reason couldnt push, struggled with breathing. I got round in 2:51. With the help of a master class and marathon training plan from yourself, I plan to get back in the saddle for Abingdon! If your pupose in life is to inspire people - you're smashing it out of the park!

You are the best. So sincere and incredible.

Wise words! I think you were amazing at London Marathon! That race is brutal, I did it too, and your time was insane! We learn so much from this channel and you are such an inspiration, thanks for everything 🎉❤

You are an inspiration to thousands….. thanks so much for sharing.

Hey man, we appreciate you, we love the content. We are grateful for everything you do for all of us viewers, sacrificing training and recovery to educate us. I am really grateful. For me personally I really appreciate advice from a elite runner as i don't have money or time for a good coach and it helps me bring results and happiness as I have fallen in love with the process and training. So if it makes you feel better you make my life better and not many people can say that they help so many people especially not even knowing them and expecting nothing in return.

@Stephen Scullion - Olympic marathoner Very proud of your finish in London! I understand that RU-vid and business is very time consuming and pulls your focus away from training, but you have had such an impact on my love for running after a few short months. You gained your credibility long ago and very few elite athletes take the time to share all the years of knowledge they've gained and all of their Strava data! I cannot thank you enough for putting so much effort into making helpful videos while training so hard. Yes, it is a sacrifice to watch one dream suffer to build a new one, but the community you are building will outweigh everything within time. Cheers!

I'm heartbroken for you but also inspired, in awe, and thankful for you putting this out for people to see. Such an honest and raw retrospective running is hard even for pro runners, in fact a lot harder for the pros. Let's not forget we are runners regardless, and it won't always go the way we want, but we are still runners. Look at what you've achieved and move on to the next step.

I've said it before, you have become a teacher Stephen, a very special teacher. A lot of people gain valuable lessons, experience and humility from your work. Keep going, it's important.

Love your honesty and can see the pain you’re feeling, must have been super hard to make this video. You’ve helped me bundles with my running and your channel is fantastic. Keep up the good work you’re doing Scully.

Thanks for your brutal honesty. You’re not only a great elite runner but more importantly an elite human being. The way you’re helping so many people out here is more precious than any Olympics, world records or championships. You’re doing more for this sport than any other marathon champion. You should be proud of it and we should be thankful to you. For most of us you’re the real champion no matter what time you did in London. 👏👏👏

I absolutely love your channel. I have been binge watching your videos over the last few weeks. I’m really sorry you didn’t get the time you were after, but you are an absolutely incredible athlete. Seriously, you are one of the best in the world. I’ve been running distance for 25 years (non competitive athlete here), and I’m a 3:45 marathon runner trying my hardest to get close to 3:30. The fact that you can run 2:15 on a “bad” day is still super human, at least to me. We always compare ourselves to others, but you are better than 99.9% of people in the world so I’d say that’s something to be very proud of.

You've been a big help on my running journey and you continue to be. Thank you so much for your contributions. You're so much more than a 2:09 runner! Whatever path you choose to take next, it won't be a wrong one.

I appreciate how vulnerable you may be feeling at the moment and I feel for you. Having completed London this week I personally will be looking at mixing up running through the summer with some fell running and trail running just so I can decompress. I hope you find your enjoyment once again but I would suggest stripping the running back to basics (Rocky style). Some of the great runners in the past kept it simple and still put out blistering times without the aid of super shoes. I believe you can still do it but as you say you got to want it.

Mate, you are one of the truest and realest down to earth person/ runner I’ve ever watched and listened to. I only run for fun and partly for mental health as an ultra runner I’ve suffered a few injuries with my high mileage just coming back from one now and have been feeling quite low about it. But after watching this film I feel a certain positivity about starting my new training plan next week. Not to sure why but I’m sure other viewers will agree, you a bit of an inspiration to us runners keep the films coming and all the best

I feel for you Stephen, not much to say, so much respect. Continue your journey. Thank you for your honesty. RESPECT.

You give me goose bumps the way you talk about running - such complete transparency in the life of an elite runner - brutal 😢

You're hurt, you learned. Be strong to come back with 200% and make it happen again. Just knew your channel but you are special, we support you be stronger and want to see you back next Olympics 💪 ❤

To come 13th in the London Marathon is just insane, what an achievement no matter how disappointed you are about Paris. Your resilience inspires me to push myself in ways I never thought was capable and running has changed my life in so many ways and so much of that is down to your advice and showcasing your achievements and losses!

You rock Stephen, keep doing what your heart tells you. You are my favourite runner and great inspiration! The RU-vid stuff might have cost you, but you have given us so much for which I'm grateful!

You were absolutely born to do more than just run. I will be forever grateful to you. I stumbled across one of your videos on RU-vid and took up running in December as a result - I'm now 11 days out from my first half marathon. My goal is to run a sub-1:45, but feel like my training is on point for a sub-1:40. Itzms not super fast, but believe you me, with more and more of your shared knowledge and heart, I'm not stopping anytime soon, and I'll have fun the whole time running.

Whenever I am motivated I watch one of RU-vid / ig. You truly inspired and keep me going. I ran Boston and London this year and you certainly contributed to it. Thanks Stephen, keep it going. You are more than just an Olympian.

You are such a big inspiration to me. Keep your head held high.

Absolute inspiration, I have only started running and plan on doing a marathon before I turn 50. Your words of wisdom and love for running really help with every area of the sport, both physical and mental. Well done on all your success.

This is one of the greatest human open hearted talk I have ever seen. Thank you for this honest video, you are an inspiration.

Your videos made me dig a little deeper in my 5k race to day. When I wanted to stop from pushing hard I thought about you and dug a little deeper. So thanks for what you do bro!

You are much much more than an elite athlete. You are an inspiration to all and speak the truth with vulnerability and honesty. You have a huge future ahead as an ambassador for this great sport. Keep going!

Honest and open as always Scully. Your videos have the best running content on RU-vid. Take that rest and look after yourself 👍

I don’t even know what to say or how to say it. I am really moved by your sharing and how heart felt and genuine you are. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and struggles. Please take care of yourself.

Your honesty and response to not meeting your goal is inspirational. Your passion for the sport is clear, run because you love to and the results will look after themselves🤙

There is so much grace in this video. Thank you.

I completely understand the feeling of frustration, and Im glad that you're not too hard on yourself about the result. Its too easy for us to get in our own heads. I hope your next season brings you continued blessing!

Bro you inspire me so much! I love the emotions and FIRE you bring with each video!!!

Thank you so much Stephen for sharing your journey. I know it doesn’t end here. We are so grateful for elite athletes like you who show us everything that it takes physically and emotionally to succeed at that level. We will continue to support you throughout the remainder of your journey. Thank you for being an amazing inspiration.

I hope you know that you inspire a lot of people on here. I’ve been following you since 2019 and your advice has helped me massively. Not a week goes by where I’m not using something you’ve passed on. You’ve earned a rest and give the body time to get back to its best. Whatever you do, it will be great! 👊

I knew this this would be a tough watch, but nothing compared to the strength needed to post this vlog. Thank you for what you do say, good luck on the rebuild .

Stephen you gave it a fair go, all in. Regardless of the result one can only admire and respect that. Go easy on yourself

What’s so incredible about this video is that you spoke to ANYONE who has goals and ambitions. Amazing video

What a heartfelt and honest video Scully. You are an immense inspiration to all of us who are serious about their running with your instructive knowledgeable comments. Watching you kept me motivated at the age of 65 to dip 6 mins below the Good for Age time for NYC marathon qualifying for next year. I'll be wondering if it's enough every day until application window next February, so I can only vaguely imagine the pressures that an elite athlete like youself is under on a constant basis. Good luck for the future and take heart in the fact that we're all behind you and appreciate the time you give up to do this channel.

How genuine, and sincere you are! This is extraordinary. What strikes me the most is realizing how difficult it is to aim for the top level. I think most of us haven't even come close to understanding what it actually is, until you showed it to us. For all of this, I'm grateful. Thanks Stephen!

Hi Stephen, it takes bravery to show your vulnerability - you’re an inspiration to many - take care

Thank you for sharing ur knowledge. I’m 53 and running some marathons and quite a few long ultras. This yr I decided to focus on running faster vs further and go for a BQ. You taught me the importance of truly embracing threshold workouts. So many others only promote LHR training (which i utilize) - but you helped me realize that you MUST actually run fast to get faster. 3 weeks ago i got my BQ +9m buffer and a 29m PR, which should get me into both Boston & Chicago in my 6 star quest. So sorry you didn’t hit your goal but know that ur helping others hit theirs. Cheers to you!

Super effort, mate. 👏👏👏 Rest, recover, and remain focused on what brings you joy. You inspire many. Don't stress too much about the goal. Always remember to enjoy the journey.💪 You've achieved so much.

Really appreciate you just opening up and exploring this very difficult raw topic with us. Competitive sport is so brutal, and a bad place or an “almost qualified” feels like it’s all for nothing.. and usually it is. You are wise to realise there is not just one way to be a runner. A way where we celebrate what we gain running rather than just what we lost. Wish you the best, this is surely a tough time, but I’m moved by your insight into even this difficult result. ❤

Your giving so much to the running community Scully. You inspire me a lot and thank you so so much for the videos you put out. You are Legendary!!! My next race I am giving it my all and its dedicated to you!! Keep going my Champion!

dont be too hard on yourself. you’ll smile at this in a couple years :) i hope you’re proud of yourself! you should be. your channel and your work are a blessing to so many people

Stephen, you will not cross the finish line in Paris but rest assured you will cross the finish line of countless races around the world through the minds and bodies of thousands of runners you have inspired. Thank you so much sir.

It’s so much more inspirational to see someone take on too much…and miss, than take on too little and hit ❤ 💪

Stephen, you are so inspiring and have taught me so much! What an amazing athlete AND human being!

Figuring out when it’s time to transition from one to another is one of life’s toughest tasks. You’ve identified as a runner for so long and are now struggling with whether or not that is still you. I absolutely LOVE that you identified yourself as more than just a runner here. You’re an inspiration, a motivator, a coach (to many you’ve never met), a creator (and a damn good one). The great thing is that you know how to focus. Whether it continues to be the best runner you can be, the best RU-vidr/creator you can be, something else or a mix of all the focus and drive you’ve learned to harness will serve you well. This is one of the best heart-to-heart debriefs I’ve seen on this app. Thank you for it.

many prayers & blessings of love & grace to you Stephen! watching this from a hotel room in anticipation of racing the Jim Thorpe Marathon this weekend. ThankYou so much for all your inspiration and wisdom! You are made for LA, good brother. Hollywood!

Hats off to you for your honestly and allowing us to learn through your experience with none of the effort. Legend.

Scully you are an inspiration. You’ve shown me not only technique but also to enjoy the journey. The peaks and valleys. Do what you have to do to get right and we will be right here ready to support you. Cheers, brother, you’ve got this.